President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his eagerness to step down on May 29 and return to his residence in Daura, Katsina State.
This was stated by Buhari in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the ninth and concluding Sallah observance by Muslims and residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), led by Minister Mohammed Bello.
“Finally, I cannot wait to return home. This is a great opportunity for me to say farewell and thank you for putting up with me for over seven and a half years,” he said.
After May 29 he will move far away from Abuja, the nation’s capital, to avoid distracting the prospective president, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, during decision making.
He stated that he has decided to retire to Daura, which is located far from Abuja, in order to obtain some rest after many years of labour.
“I am eager to travel to Daura. If they make any noise that disturbs me, I will depart for the Republic of Niger. I arranged to be as far distant as possible on purpose. “I achieved my goals and will now retire in peace to my hometown,” he said.
Buhari pleaded for forgiveness from Nigerians he may have offended in the course of his duties.
President Buhari stated that he is fortunate to have led Nigeria in multiple capacities.
He stated, “As a former governor, minister, and two-time president, I believe God has granted us an extraordinary opportunity to serve as your president. I am grateful to God for this. Please keep in mind, therefore, that we are all human.
“There is no doubt that I have harmed some individuals, so I beg your forgiveness. Those who believe I have caused them so much harm, please forgive me,” he added.
Buhari, who received the delegation after observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Mambilla Barracks Prayer Ground in Abuja with his family, commended Nigerians for tolerating him for nearly eight years of his administration.